By Maggie Downs
Enquirer staff writer

DOWNTOWN - "We'll walk hand-in-hand some day," the people sing as they gaze out toward the Ohio River. Behind them looms the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. And by the end of "We Shall Overcome," almost all 700 choir members find tears in their eyes.

Every person here has a different family tree. Many are African-American or Caucasian, though Hispanics and Asians are represented as well. Ages vary, from a 4-year-old child to the women who will only whisper it behind their hands.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Oprah visits the NURFC Brandi Stafford/The Enquirer

• Stars' heat warms museum • Lighting Freedom's Way • Celebrities helped make Freedom Center a reality • Celebrity affiliation helps open wallets • Chorus a symbol of people working together • Rally says Freedom Center is hogging spotlight • Photo Gallery: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

People from all over the area came to the Freedom Center Choir because they believed in the importance of sharing songs together.

"Just as many years ago people were looking for freedom and looking for peace, people today are searching for freedom and peace," said choir director the Rev. Todd O'Neal of House of Joy Christian Ministries in College Hill. "When we come together to sing, we are searching together, regardless of our different backgrounds."

The choir, also directed by Catherine Roma, will perform 10 songs tonight at the dedication concert for the Freedom Center's grand opening. Songs will include "Free at Last" and "The Ballad of the Underground Railroad."

That last one is a favorite of Richard Simon, 42, of Grenada. The tenor was in town to record a gospel album, then extended his visit to perform with the choir.

"The emotions I feel come from being part of a national debate and being a part of history," he said. "The energy of every individual here affects me."

The choir has worked hard on tone, pitch, diction and rhythm since May, starting with bi-weekly rehearsals. In July, that was stepped up to two rehearsals per week, at least two hours at a time.

By tonight, all 700 people will have mastered how to sway as one and how to move their mouths precisely and collectively.

"There have been a lot of disagreements and disappointments along the way. It's been hard," said Lois Shegog, 52, of North Avondale, the assistant director of MUSE, Cincinnati's women's choir. "But you have to remember the underlying goal is to get people to collect and take a look into each other's cultures."

Members of the Shanti Choir are already used to bridging cultures through music. The Greater Cincinnati group, which will be singing as part of the Freedom Center Choir, is a fusion of people from many different Indian backgrounds who sing together in Sanskrit.

During rehearsal at the Freedom Center Sunday afternoon, some covered their heads with towels and T-shirts under the blazing sun. Some practically melted into each other. But their words, "Sail on, freedom," surged strongly across the water and into Covington.

"Look at these people. Different ages, different backgrounds. You have one person with a lot of money, and another without any. And they're standing side by side, singing," O'Neal said. "When I see the choir, it gives me hope that Cincinnati can continue to evolve and get better.

"This is the beginning of change."

---

E-mail mdowns@enquirer.com